Start with the diagnosis
A painful or broken tooth does not automatically require extraction. A dentist examines the tooth, gums and supporting bone, often using radiographs and tests of the tooth’s response. The amount of remaining sound tooth structure, whether the root is fractured, and the condition of the surrounding tissues influence which treatments are feasible.
When a crown may help
A crown restores the shape and function of a tooth when a filling would not provide sufficient coverage. It can protect a weakened tooth, but a crown alone cannot treat infection inside the root canal system. If decay extends too far below the gum or there is inadequate support, a crown may not be a durable solution.
When root canal treatment may be considered
Root canal treatment addresses inflamed or infected tissue inside the tooth. Following treatment, a restoration—sometimes a crown—may be needed to protect remaining structure. A root canal does not guarantee that every tooth can be saved; restorability and periodontal health still matter.
When removal becomes an option
Extraction may be discussed when a tooth is too damaged to restore predictably, has certain root fractures, or lacks adequate supporting tissues. Before deciding, ask which findings make conservation impractical, whether specialist assessment is appropriate, and what replacement choices would follow.
Questions to bring to the appointment
Ask to see the relevant radiograph, whether the tooth can be restored after treatment, the alternatives and their risks, and what follow-up is expected. Severe swelling, breathing difficulty, uncontrolled bleeding or rapidly progressing symptoms warrant urgent medical assessment.